Japan's Newest Ambassador is...Pikachu

Proving once again that Japan leads us all in terms of cultural advancement, Foreign Minister Taro Kono has appointed Pikachu and Hello Kitty as special ambassadors of Osaka, hoping to boost the city’s bid to host the 2025 World Exposition.

“I would like for you to represent Japan and proactively (promote) the attraction of Osaka inside and outside of the country,” Kono said while presenting letters of appointment to Pikachu and Hello Kitty, according to The Japan Times.

The two characters will appear on pamphlets and be sent as gifts to promote Osaka as an ideal host city. This certainly isn’t Hello Kitty’s first rodeo—Newsweek reports that she was appointed as Japanese ambassador for Tourism in China and Hong Kong back in 2008, and was declared a “UNICEF Special Friend of Children” after raising $150,000 for girls’ education programs.

In the 15 years since The Wire, Elba has starred in blockbusters and art house films, won a Golden Globe, released two albums, founded a production house, received an OBE, launched a clothing label and made his directing debut. He's only just getting started.